Less than 30 militants entered Kashmir this year, says Lt Gen Raju

However, he said, Pakistan Army is making repeated attempts under the cover of ceasefire violation to send militants into this side before the infiltration routes are closed due to snowfall.

Talking to reporters on the sideline of Passing-out-cum-attention parade” held at Bana Singh parade ground of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) here on Saturday, Chinar Corps Commander (CCC) Lt General B S Raju said this year the number of militants sneaking into this side has witnessed considerable drop due to strict vigil maintained by security forces guarding the LoC.

As many as 301 youths from different parts of the Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh become the proud members of Army family after one year training.

Lt Gen Raju said according to reports gathered from different intelligence agencies, less than 30 militants have sneaked into this side. He said the number during 2019 was about 130.

He said this was possible after security forces foiled a number of infiltration attempts from Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK). We killed large number of militants immediately they entered our area under the cover of Pak troops ceasefire violation, he said, adding that there will be no question of lowering the guard even during the winter when mercury goes down. This, he said, will further help to normalize the situation in the valley.

He said Pakistan will continue to send more and more militants into the Kashmir valley. As per reports there are 250 to 300 trained militants waiting at launch pads in POK to sneak into this side. But, Lt Gen Raju said troops are already on high alert to foil any infiltration attempt.

Today troops foiled an attempt by Pakistani troops to send arms and ammunition in Keran sector. Alert troops recovered war-like stores, including four AK rifles, magazines and live rounds of ammunition, he said. Troops had noticed movement of two to three persons who were sending arms and ammunition across the Kishanganga river.

Security forces have launched a massive search operation in the area, he said.

About the situation in hinterland, Lt Gen Raju said security forces have conducted successful operations in different parts of the Kashmir valley and eliminated militants, including commander.

'We have noticed that after the killing of foreign militants in any area, situation become peaceful there, he said, adding that the day is not far away when situation will more become better and peaceful. He said situation was more peaceful after killing of foreign militants in Shopian and Pulwama in south Kashmir during the past few months. Our efforts will continue to neutralize the foreign militants while local youths are being given chance to surrender and lead a normal life', he said.

He said today also a foreign and a local militants were killed by security forces in south Kashmir.

He appealed to people to persuade the youths who had gone astray to return to mainstream.

The youths, he said, who had gone across the LoC are also surrendering. However, he did not divulge further details.

However, he said, the number of local youth joining militancy has also come down. With the help of parents and others large number of youths who had joined militancy, had surrendered to lead a peaceful and normal life, he added.